Project Managers combine skill sets to manage projects successfully. They are responsible for making sure that projects are completed on time and under budget.Once you’ve decided to learn Project Management, the next important question is deciding how it is you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their Project Management training. To learn more about the different Project Management training options and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

What is Project Management?

Project management describes the process of managing the successful completion of a project. A Project Manager guides a project through the different stages of what is known as “The Project LifeCycle,” which comprises five stages: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. A Project Manager’s most important goal is ensuring a project is completed on time and under budget.

A Project Manager is responsible for creating a project plan to establish project goals and deadlines, delegating tasks to team members, motivating team members to meet deadlines, risk management, communicating with upper management, and resource management. Experts in Project Management estimate that around 90% of a Project Manager’s time is spent communicating. Soft skills such as communication, leadership, time management, and budgeting are required in Project Management. 

Project management as a field is defined by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) created by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which outlines best practices, methodologies, and processes for professional Project Managers. Aspiring Project Managers will want to seek out training in PMBOK as well as experience in managing real-world projects. 

Project management is a hot career path that is expected to add over 22 million jobs by 2027. In addition to this booming job growth, Project Managers earn lucrative, six-figure salaries. The average salary for a Project Manager is around $115,000 annually. That’s more than double the national average across all occupations. 

Read more about what project management is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Project Management Skills?

There are no limits on what can be done with project management skills. Project management is a versatile career path, as Project Managers are needed in every industry and in various roles. You could continue to work in the same industry even after completing your training in Project Management. 

Some Project Managers work for companies on specific projects or as part of a project team. Some Project Managers work as freelancers or consultants who assist clients on specific projects.

Project management is a very hot career path because the Project Management Institute (PMI) predicts that , by 2027, Project Management job availability will increase by 33%. A significant number of Senior Project Managers are expected to retire, leading to even more job openings for those with training in Project Management. 

Many of the essential skills in project management are soft skills, including communication, leadership, management ability, time management, delegation, conflict resolution, and multitasking. Project management experts estimate that around 90% of a Project Manager’s time is spent communicating. Aspiring Project Managers should have impeccable communication skills and well-developed leadership skills. 

Project managers often specialize in a particular industry, such as IT, healthcare, or construction. Skills already acquired in these industries could be combined with project management training for a new career within your industry.

Why Training Format Matters

How you learn project management can have an impact on your career. Because project management is growing fast, it is also changing at a rapid rate. You’ll want to make sure that any training format that you choose is up-to-date. If you’re considering becoming certified in project management, you’ll also want to make sure that your training format will apply toward certification. 

Types of Training Formats

There are two primary training formats for project management classes: live or on-demand. Live courses, whether in person or online, feature real-time interaction with your instructor and classmates. On-demand courses are taken online and are self-paced, so there is no interaction with your instructor and classmates. 

Live In-Person Classes

Live in-person classes are the most traditional way to learn. You’ll have face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates, leading to more opportunities for mentorship and networking. The level of engagement and retainment you’ll get from live instruction will be critical when launching a new career. You can also be confident that live in-person classes are using up-to-date material. 

One potential drawback of in-person learning is the availability of classes. If you’re not in a major city or tech hub, then you might find that options for in-person classes are limited. You’ll also deal with things like commute time, which could add additional stress if you already have a busy schedule before starting to train for a new career. 

Live Online Classes

Live online classes work exactly like in-person classes. Because the class is happening live, you’ll be able to interact with your instructor and classmates just like in an in-person class. This means you’ll have many of the same networking and mentorship opportunities offered by in-person classes. 

One huge advantage of live online classes is that they can be taken from anywhere: even your own living room. You won’t have to schedule time for commuting, which will give you more time for training for your new career. 

Another advantage of live online classes is that you’ll have more options. Because you’re not limited by location, you’ll have access to expert instructors and a training path that better fits your career needs. 

On-Demand Classes

On-demand courses are taken online and are self-paced. On-demand courses are most commonly delivered through pre-recorded video lessons. Some on-demand courses are email-based, which means you’ll have the lessons delivered directly to your inbox. 

On-demand courses are great for people who want to learn the basics or explore an interest in project management. Some drawbacks of on-demand courses is that the materials can be out-of-date and that on-demand courses do not count toward professional certification in project management. 

Free Courses

Free courses include online resources such as blogs and video tutorials. You’ll find a lot of free courses online. These can be really great for learning the basics or exploring an interest. However, if you’re serious about pursuing a project management role, then you’ll need more structured training. 

Depth of Training Formats

Another factor to consider when choosing a training method is the depth of the different training formats. Certificate programs and bootcamps are typically more comprehensive, while introductory courses usually just cover the basics. The right choice for you will depend on your individual career goals. 

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are the most in-depth form of training. They offer immersive, comprehensive training for launching a new career. You’ll also earn a certificate, which can be helpful on the job market to create credibility with potential employers. A certificate demonstrates that you have the level of skills training needed to complete the job successfully. 

Certificate programs typically combine multiple skills and are designed to help you prepare for a new career. Some certificate programs come with licensed certificates, which may lead to even more credibility. For example, all of Noble Desktop’s certificate programs grant graduates a New York State Licensed Certificate in their new career path. 

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps are immersive, like a certificate program, but they typically focus on a single skill instead of preparing you for a whole new career. One of the biggest advantages of taking a bootcamp is that they’re designed to cover the most amount of material in the least amount of time. This helps you learn the skills you need for a new career the fastest. 

Noble Desktop offers a Project Management Bootcamp, which is designed to provide immersive training in the fundamentals of becoming a Project Manager. This bootcamp, which is taught by a PMP-certified Project Manager, will help you develop project management skills, such as the “Project Lifecycle,” project management foundational concepts, resource management, task scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and Agile project management frameworks. Graduates earn a certificate in Project Management, which is shareable on Linkedin. 

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses offer the least amount of training depth, especially when compared to a certificate program or bootcamp. An introductory course is not typically immersive or comprehensive. Many introductory courses only have a single class meeting. 

Introductory courses are recommended for those who are still exploring a career interest or want to learn a little more about a specific skill set. If you’ve already decided to pursue project management as a new career, then you’ll want to consider a more immersive training option, such as a certificate program or bootcamp. 

Learn Project Management Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a coding, design, and business school based in NYC. They offer courses on various topics, including project management courses and bootcamps, both live online and at their state-of-the-art campus in Midtown Manhattan. All of their classes feature small class sizes and are taught by instructors who are experts in their industry. PMP-Certified professional Project Managers teach all their project management courses. Graduates can retake their course for up to one year for free to continue developing their knowledge and refresh their skills. 

Noble Desktop’s Project Management Bootcamp provides hands-on instruction in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) theories and methodologies needed to get hired as an entry-level Project Manager. Students receive hands-on, project-based training in topics that include the five phases of project management, creating project proposals, and working with a project team. Graduates receive a verified digital certificate of completion to help them get hired as entry-level Project Managers. This bootcamp is also recommended for those planning to pursue either a CAPM or a PMP Certification. Both certifications require formal project management education, which this bootcamp provides. 

Graduates seeking professional certification should consider Noble Desktop’s CAPM Certification Bootcamp, which guides students through PMI’s entry-level Certified Associate in Project Management Certification Exam. This four-day bootcamp includes 35 hours of hands-on instruction, live project-based training, an exam preparation guide, a video curriculum, lessons taught by a PMP Certified Project Manager, and a digital certificate of completion.

Key Insights

• The three most common training formats are live in-person classes, live online classes, and on-demand courses. 
• Live classes, whether in person or online, are recommended for those serious about pursuing a career in project management. In a live class, you’ll have the advantage of interacting with your instructor in real-time. 
• Certificate programs are designed to provide comprehensive training for a career, while bootcamps provide immersive training in a particular skill. 
• You can receive comprehensive Project Management training through Noble Desktop, either in person or online.